How Long Does Invisalign® Take?

fort worth invisalignWe’ve talked about how we create a series of Invisalign® aligners to correct uneven teeth and improve smile beauty, but how long does the procedure take? In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist will explain how long one should expect to see optimal results from a series of clear and plastic custom-made aligners.

Creating Your Aligners

The process of correcting your teeth involves using a series of aligners to shift the position of them with time. Each set is custom-made specifically for your smile. We create them based on detailed digital images we gather of your smile with an intraoral camera. We combine the images to craft a 3D model, which enables the design and fabrication of the aligners in a lab setting. Their custom nature means they fit comfortably and that with time, they can correct misalignment in teens and adults alike.

The Treatment Process

To start, you will wear a set for about two weeks, 20 to 22 hours a day. They can be removed during meals, so you don’t have to alter your diet, and they can also be removed before you brush or floss, or prior to special occasions, as long as you wear them for the time the orthodontist recommends. After two weeks, you upgrade to the next set in the series. With time, they shift the teeth and help correct crooked, crowded, or overlapping teeth. They will be nearly invisible when worn, and help you avoid the cheek and gum irritation often caused by braces.

Average Times

The treatment time will vary of course. Factors that impact how long the process takes include your age, as teens still have smiles growing and developing. In addition, the severity of the misalignment is a factor, as is whether you worn them as the orthodontist prescribed. The average treatment time for teenagers is 18 months, while adults often see optimal results in as little as a year. However, the exact time for your smile could vary. If you have any questions about this process, or if you would like to see if this is right for you, then contact our team today. We will offer a consultation to assess your misalignment and decide on the best course of treatment. Remember, even if we suggest braces, we can use tooth-colored brackets to make them less visible!

Ready for a New Smile in Just One Year?

We want to help you correct your uneven teeth with custom and clear aligners. To learn more about the path toward your even smile and the benefits for your oral health, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in White Settlement, North Fort Worth, and all surrounding communities.